A happy workforce is a productive workforce. It is only when freak hot humid weather hits us we realise our office facilities are inadequate. Fans etc. may be a quick fix but, according to Cosiflor, for a longer term solution in creating a pleasant environment the right kind of blinds matter considerably

All the company's fabrics are fully tested to withstand the punishing demands that will be placed upon them, such as the potentially damaging effects of ultra-violet, infrared and humidity. The blinds are UV stabilised to ensure both a long life as well as an effective colourfast finish. All the materials are long-term fade resistant, whilst the crease proof material is impregnated against dirt. They are maintenance free and washable at up to 30 degrees centigrade using a mild detergent.

The company offers seven flame retardant fabric qualities for the Contract market, marketed through UK based manufacturers. These fabrics available for the contract market are high performance polyester perlized backing or metalised with a flame-retardant finish, available up to a 2.3m width. Blinds protect the building interior against both heat and light, ensuring privacy, and improving light distribution in enclosed spaces by reducing brightness in the window area.

The contract market is expanding and with the EEC directive for computer working environments, it is essential to have the right blinds. Light must filter through the fabric so that there is no glare on the monitor.

Cosiflor says unlike other manufacturers it offers all kinds of different shapes from standard, rectangular through to triangles, trapezium and also pentagons.

A unique aspect of the Cosiflor system is the fabric fastening that works by fixing 20mm profile for 20mm width folds instead of the usual 25mm still sold in the UK. 20mm allows the blinds to fit neatly within the glazing bars.

The company says the most comfortable and easiest way of opening and shutting blinds is to use the crank operation. Cosiflor offers this for rectangular and shaped blinds and is one of the only companies in the world that offers shaped blinds with crank operation. The customer is able to choose between a manual crank and a battery crank. With the battery crank you just push the button to operate the blind. The crank is similar to the pole and only one need be ordered for each conservatory. Shaped blinds with crank operation have the diagonal cord within the fabric. Exclusive and unique to Cosiflor is the diagonal cord guidance. This results in the fabric being totally flat when opened. Forget saggy blinds - these are top-quality blinds that will add a sophisticated finishing touch.

However, the company also offers a sophisticated range of electronic operated blind systems for ease of use with blinds in the office. The Cosiflor cord pull up system, launched last year for blinds with side-pull gearing has been adapted for use with the free hanging Cosiflor motorised blind system. This results in a smaller and more elegant top profile.

The Cosiflor PLE 12 is a one-piece system that can be mounted directly on the top profile and across the whole length of the blind area and has a small head profile. The motor has easy switching on and off methods. This electronic system has just been completely redesigned and is now operated via radio remote control as a standard feature. The system has now been fitted with a new motor control unit that features an integrated radio receiver. All the necessary connections are simply plugged in and can be connected up without any need for an electrician. Even group controls or operation with a sun sensor are prepared as plug-in connections.

The company believes the Cosiflor electronics systems are ideal for operating roof blinds and are a definite advantage in the office environment.

• Cosiflor T: 01342 713923